AB 540 and Undocumented Student Resources

Join us for our Undocu-Warrior Welcome Orientation.

We encourage all first-year students to attend to hear from various on campus program
representatives where they will discuss ways they can support you. You will have an
opportunity to listen to members of the Undocumented student club on campus as well
as receive information on financial aid and DACA related legal updates! Please click
on the image below to register. For any questions or concerns feel free to contact the First Year Experience Office (FYE)
at: (310) 660-6936.

If you are a student who identifies as undocumented or AB 540 and are pursuing a college
education, this page can help you understand how to access and request financial aid
at El Camino College, locate scholarships, university grants and outside resources.
Dream on!

What is AB 540?

AB 540 is a law that provides in-state tuition benefits for undocumented and out-of-state
students who attend or will attend a public university in California.

Under California law AB 540, certain nonresident students are exempt from paying nonresident
supplemental tuition.

If you're granted an AB 540 exemption, you will be charged in-state tuition and fees,
and not the supplemental tuition charged to nonresidents.

Who is eligible?

Students (including undocumented students) who, for various reasons, are classified
as nonresidents may be eligible.

To qualify for AB 540 status, students must also meet the following eligibility requirements:

Student must have attended a high school (public or private) in California for three
or more years

Student must have graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent
(GED or CA HS Proficiency exam)

Student must be enrolled in an accredited California Institution of Higher Education

Student must file an AB 540 California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request Form that includes an affidavit stating they have filed (or will file) an application
to legalize as soon as they are able to do so. Completed forms must be submitted to
the Admissions and Records Office located in the Student Services Center

Submit a copy of your high school diploma and sealed high school transcripts to the
El Camino College Admissions office for verification.

* SB 68 expands AB 540 to enable students to count years spent at a California Community
College and Adult School towards AB 540 eligibility. Additionally, the bill will allow the completion of an Associate’s Degree or satisfaction
of the minimum requirements to transfer to the University of California (UC) or California
State University (CSU) to meet the degree or unit requirements. These new eligibility
criteria expand possibilities for students educated in CA to qualify for in-state
tuition and statebased financial aid at CCCs, CSUs, and UCs.

If you previously were not eligible for AB 540 status, you may be eligible with the
expansion to AB 540 with SB 68. Please check with the ECC Admissions Office for details.

If students meet the AB 540 criteria, please visit the Admissions and Records office
to submit completed forms. AB 540 students may qualify for financial aid such as a
BOG Fee Waiver. The California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident documented students who meet certain provisions
to apply for and receive private scholarships funded through public universities,
state administered financial aid, University grants, community college fee waivers,
and Cal Grants.. Please note: student information obtained in this process is strictly
confidential unless disclosure is required by law. For FAQ's related to the California
Dream Act please click here. Please note that the California Dream Act Application opens every year beginning
October 1st and should be filed by March 2nd. You should renew your application every
year to avoid delays with your financial aid.

El Camino College AB 540 Checklist

Complete following steps if you think you meet AB 540 eligibility. If you are not
sure you can use this tool to help you see if you may be eligible to pay in-state tuition. Please note that
the ECC Admissions Office makes all final decisions regarding eligibility.

Submit the California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request Form to the Admissions Office along with an official high school transcript. If your transcript does not have your graduation date you
must also bring your high school diploma to the Admissions Office.Requests for the AB540 exemption must be made in person.